Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Rhiannon Thomas's dazzling debut novel is a spellbinding reimagining of Sleeping Beauty and what happens after happily ever after.

One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairy tale.

Her family is long dead. Her "true love" is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept.

As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.

Rhiannon Thomas weaves together vivid scenes of action, romance, and gorgeous gowns to reveal a richly imagined world … and Sleeping Beauty as she’s never been seen before.

“I never thought what happens after Sleeping Beauty wakes up would keep me at the edge of my seat, breathlessly turning pages. But Rhiannon Thomas has taken the familiar and the cliched and turned it into a tense, fast-paced read full of plot twists and revelations, set in a world at once intriguing and perilous.” - Sherry Thomas, author of The Burning Sky

“The book is welcome twist on the classic helpless-princess-saved-by-dashing-prince one expects from a fairy tale…. Fairy tale and fantasy fans alike will breeze through this retelling and eagerly await her next chapter.” - School Library Journal

“One of the best fairytale retellings I’ve ever read. Thomas uses the well-known back story of Sleeping Beauty to craft an entirely new future for Aurora that is anything but happily-ever-after. Starting the story after the moment that usually signals the end of the fairytale gave this book an original spin and makes it stand out among of sea of simple retellings. Don’t miss this great debut!” - Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, WI

A Wicked Thing is a unique fantasy that takes a different spin of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale in a magical world filled with political drama and beautiful dresses. In her debut, Rhiannon Thomas sets the stage for an amazing new series that seems to be leading up to an action packed dragon filled epic fantasy that will enrapture readers.

The true stand out of A Wicked Thing is the world building. It was amazing. Since this story takes place after the Sleeping Beauty fairytale we get a bit more of a world and I think it was done so well because Aurora is brand new to this world as well. We experience the world after 100 years of change with her. I love that there was mention of the other lands as well, one that has dragons. Just hearing the word dragons makes me excited. There needs to be dragons in future books.

The writing and world was very beautifully and made light of what you wouldn't normally think about like dust. Even the parts of the story that weren't actually pretty esthetically were and I loved that.

If I had to give you my favorite fairytales (Disney and the like) it would be Beauty & the Beast, Snow White or Cinderella. What I realized is that those stories are very character. In comparison Sleeping Beauty is less about her and more about what happens to her. She is cursed, she falls asleep, and a Prince wakes her up. At least in my opinion, she doesn't really have a protagonist role. She is more of a bystander in her own fairytale and Rhiannon Thomas gives her the ability to be her own hero. This is a really great twist on the fairytale. I think at first Aurora isn't the most likable character but when you think about everything that is happening to her it makes her indecision okay and when you think about Aurora not ever being the focal point of the fairytale it puts it into perspective.

There is a bit of a romance being set up in this story and truth be told I am not really sure who I am shipping or who the love interests may end up being. It is a bit of a love square at this point because it is fair game. I do have one guy that I am hoping for because he offers dragons. Just being honest.

My only complaint about the book is that it started off very slow at the beginning. The pacing didn't quite match up. It does feel like it is building up for an epic sequel and this book was a lot of world building and setting up of the story. I just wish that there was more action going on in this book.I really enjoyed this book. It is an amazing debut and a fantastic fairytale retelling. If you are looking for the next great YA fantasy series I think this might be it!

Some of these songs I chose for their lyrics and some I chose for their sound. Sometimes I like songs that represent some of the themes in the book but it just doesn't have the right feel while I actually read or write the review, while other songs set the tone and mood for the book. Here is a spotify playlist with songs that hit both of these reasons!

I am right in the middle of A Wicked Thing, and I really liked reading your review. I have only read a few reviews for it, and those had me a little worried. Reading it now, I must admit to being right smack in the middle. The world-building, as you said, is wonderful. Rhiannon is a master at it. As well as characterization. Each character stands out, with very unique personalities. I The love square, to me as of now, seems like it might shape up to be more of a love triangle. I don't think R is really a part of that equation, as far as love goes. With Tristan and Finnegan, I am not sure yet how I feel about either. Right now, I would say that Tristan has the upper hand, but I don't know enough about them either way. SO, to finish my VERY long comment (which I apologize for), I am liking this one, but hoping I start loving it as the story progresses. Have to wait and see!

I'm really glad to hear you loved this one! I'm not usually big on retellings so this might not be my kind of thing... But great world building sounds like my kind of thing because I love that on fantasies! Great review!

Ohhh youre review just gave me such a whoosh of relief when it comes to this book. I had heard nothing but not so great things so i kind of put it on the back burner but DRAGONS?? YES PLEASE!Great review girl!<3 Britt